Related information

Training contractThe training contract is used to register the apprenticeship and traineeship and legally binds the employer and apprentice or trainee (the 'parties'*) for the term of the apprenticeship or traineeship (nominal term). The training contract has a start date and the nominal term set by the department for the chosen apprenticeship or traineeship, determines the end date.

*Apprentices and trainees under 18 years of age and under the care and control of a parent or guardian, are required to have their parent or guardian provide signed consent to the apprenticeship or traineeship, however they are not a party to the training contract.

Training planOnce a training contract is registered, the apprentice or trainee and employer (and parent/guardian/school if required) will work with the chosen training organisation to develop the training plan. The plan will outline what training is required and where/when it will occur.

Training recordOnce the training plan has been finalised, the training organisation will provide the apprentice or trainee with a training record, where they can keep a record of all training completed.

Changing the training contract

During the term of the apprenticeship or traineeship, some details of the training contract may need to be amended. The responsibilities of the apprentice or trainee, employer and training organisation vary depending on the type of change required:

myApprenticeship

A number of these amendments can be done through myApprenticeship, an online self-service website which allows apprentices and trainees to securely view and easily initiate changes to their training contract.

Completing the training contract

Once an apprentice or trainee and the employer agree that the apprentice or trainee has successfully completed all the requirements of the training plan, they can commence the completion process with the training organisation.

The apprentice or trainee will receive two certificates. The training organisation will issue the qualification certificate demonstrating that the qualification has been completed. The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will issue the completion certificate proving that the apprentice or trainee has acquired all the skills of the apprenticeship or traineeship.

Cancelling the training contract

Cancelling the training contract (and therefore the apprenticeship or traineeship) may be necessary. However, cancellation should be used as a last resort, where the reasons are due to issues such as communication breakdown or behavioural.

The department and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers have regional offices who can help to resolve differences and work through issues. Other options in place of cancellation may include temporary or permanent transfer or suspension.

If the training contract is still in the probationary period at the time of the proposed cancellation, the party wishing to cancel can end the apprenticeship or traineeship by giving written notice to the other party. The ATIS-023 Probationary periods information sheet provides further details.

The cancellation of the training contract is not to be confused with the employment contract. For further information on the effect of a cancellation of a training contract on the employment contract, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.